Police Identify 3 Juveniles They Say Vandalized Horizon Elementary In Port Orange

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Port Orange, FL - Port Orange police have identified and interviewed three Port Orange students who they say are responsible for the vandalism of 18 Horizon Elementary school classrooms in Port Orange over the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend. The students, ages 12, 13, and 14, are all students at a middle school in Port Orange and live near Horizon Elementary, which is located at 4751 Hidden Lake Dr. Port Orange Police say the students entered the grounds of Horizon Elementary multiple times over the holiday weekend and caused "extensive damage" to 18 classrooms. An employee discovered the vandalism at the school before students and teachers returned on Tuesday.

According to Nancy Wait, Community Information Services Director for the Volusia County School District, the damage to the classrooms affected approximately 360 out of 800 students. The students were relocated to other areas of the school while damage continues to be repaired. Some of the students were able to return to their regular classrooms on Tuesday. Port Orange police say the case remains open, and no official charges have been filed, but because the damage to the classroom was extensive, pending charges are felony burglary and felony vandalism. The damage included flooding, graffiti, and damage to the floors, cabinetry, furniture, and computers. The investigation is ongoing, and the Volusia County School District is still working to assess the cost of the damage, and the school district will handle any school-related discipline.

Port Orange police also say they also concluded the investigation of a threat of violence made at Horizon Elementary this week. The threat was made by a 7-year-old student at the school, and it was ultimately determined to be a prank unrelated to the vandalism. The student confessed to the threat in writing and admitted it was a prank. No charges have been filed, but the student has been suspended. No other information has been released regarding the threat. At this time, police do not believe there are any safety concerns for the students, faculty, or administration of Horizon Elementary. For earlier reporting on this story, click here. All photos courtesy Port Orange Police Department. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2018.